Share Your Story: Help Us Celebrate 100 Years
ABA wants to celebrate you as part of our Centennial in 2026
The American Bus Association is preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime milestone—our Centennial in 2026. As we look forward to honoring 100 years of motorcoach, group tour, and travel industry leadership, we are building something special: the ABA Story Library. This collection will showcase stories, images, and videos from across our membership, capturing the people, companies, and moments that built and shaped our industry over the last century.
But to make this celebration a success, we need your help now.
Immediate Need for Images
Our most urgent request is for historical images. These can be anything that reflects your company’s journey or your connection to the motorcoach and group travel world—photographs, postcards, brochures, advertising, tickets, uniforms, signs, or other memorabilia. We are gathering material from every decade, 1926 through 2026, to create a walkable display at the upcoming ABA Marketplace in January.
Imagine the story we could tell if every member shared just two images! Together, we would build a spectacular archive—an immersive showcase of how far we’ve come and how our members have defined the industry. To make this vision a reality, we need your submissions by October 17. While we’ll continue to accept images and stories after that date, early contributions are essential so we can bring the Marketplace displays to life.
Stories That Connect Us
Alongside images, we are seeking stories from every corner of the ABA membership and our industries, including operators, tour planners, manufacturers, drivers, suppliers, tour guides, and even retired professionals.
What’s the story that sticks with you? Maybe it’s a passenger memory that makes you smile every time you think of it. A loyal tour group that joins you year after year. A milestone in your career that reminded you why this industry is so vital. Or even a partnership or friendship formed through ABA that has endured over time.
These personal recollections are the heart of our Centennial. Each one adds another layer to the rich, shared history of our community.
Where Your Contributions Will Be Featured
Your submissions will not be tucked away in a file—they will be front and center throughout the Centennial celebration. Stories, photos, and videos will appear on the ABA website, across social media, in Marketplace exhibits, and even in national media outreach. By contributing, you not only preserve your company’s legacy but also help tell the broader story of an industry that has touched the lives of millions.
How to Contribute
Submitting is easy, and you are welcome to share as much as you’d like:
👉 Stories: Share your story by scanning or tapping the Centennial QR code or visiting the submission portal online.
👉 Images and Video: Email your historical photos, advertising scans, and other visual material directly to Ben Rome, ABA’s Director of Communications & Brand.
For any questions about the ABA 100 Call for Stories, please reach out to us at [email protected].
Be Part of History
The ABA Centennial is more than a celebration—it’s a reflection of who we are and the journeys that brought us here. With your help, we can build a living archive that honors the past, celebrates the present, and inspires the future.
Submit your stories and images today, and help us make ABA’s Centennial a celebration to remember.
Photo at top: Trans-Bridge Lines founder A.J. Ferraro, right, circa 1921; image courtesy Trans-Bridge Lines
